Arturia V Collection is now firmly established as the go-to software bundle for lovers of classic synths and keyboards, and with the launch of version 9, it is getting even bigger.
MS-20 V looks just like the original, and promises to recreate the hardware’s semi-modular architecture and classic analogue sound.
Up next is the SQ80 V , a reboot of the Ensoniq crosswave synth of the same name. If you like the gritty sound of early digital synths, you’ll love it.
Rounding out the new instruments are two titles in Arturia’s new Augmented range. Augmented Strings (a beefed-up version of the Augmented Strings Intro plugin that Arturia gave away last month) blends sampled and synthetic strings, enabling you to morph between them. Augmented Voices lets you combine the human voice with multiple synth engines in a similar fashion.
V Collection 9 also contains four rebuilt instruments – CS-80 V, Prophet-5 V, Prophet-VS V and Piano V. These updates are designed to bring them bang up to date.
Lastly, there are 14 exclusive soundbanks that are designed to show off what each of the new V Collection titles is capable of.
If you are a registered Arturia user, you can log in to your account to see your special V Collection 9 introductory price. As for everyone else, it is available for the introductory price of €499 (regular price €599).
Ahead of Superbooth 2022, Cre8audio today announced East Beast, a new semi-modular desktop synthesizer and Eurorack module, created in collaboration with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers.
East Beast is a powerful monophonic full voice with many unique sound-shaping tools and deep performance capabilities.
The design is heavily influenced by Pittsburgh’s SV-1 and SV-1b synthesizers. At its core, you’ll find its 100% analog, Pittsburgh-designed oscillator. The oscillator features sine, saw, triangle, and square waveforms that can also be used in combinations. Rounding out its sonic core is FM and pulse width modulation (PWM).
To shape the sound, East Beast includes an analog envelope generator, VCA, LFOs, and a Pittsburgh “Zero Dead Spot” multi-mode filter. The “Zero Dead Spot” filter is the product of years of research into analog filter design by Pittsburgh’s founder Richard Nicol, and Chief of R&D Michael Johnsen. Unlike more traditional ladder filters, the PGH “Zero Dead Spot” filter does not distort as readily and features no “sonic dead spots”. The result is a fully sweepable frequency range that produces a “rich velvety sound”, throughout each of its lowpass, high-pass, and bandpass modes.
In addition to the analog sound-shaping tools mentioned previously, East Beast also includes a deep new digital multi-mod /multi-function tool concept to add more options. The multi-mod lets the user select between an additional envelope, clock synced LFO, MIDI CC control, and random voltage generator modes.
A semi-modular synthesizer, East Beast has basically 9 different patchable modules (Oscillator, filter, envelope, VCA, LFO, multi-mod tool, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and button keyboard) with 18 Eurorack compatible patch points to plug into itself and your other gear.
As a starting point, East Beast comes intuitively patched internally to create a bold and flexible full synth voice. Using the patch points enables the users to reroute internal signal flow as well as use with external eurorack format modules and synthesizers. To help facilitate experimentation, Cre8audio has included a set of premium Nazca Noodles patch cables.
East Beast’s playing and performance capabilities are as strong as its powerful sonic core. East Beast can be controlled via MIDI, control voltage (CV/Gate), and its function keys double as a keyboard controller. Additionally, included is an integrated sequencer & arpeggiator that can also be controlled via MIDI and is externally clockable.
Features:
East coast style subtractive monophonic synthesize
Controllable via MIDI, CV, and integrated button keyboard
Fully patchable – use East Beast’s components as separate modules with external devices or reroute its internal patching. It’s like having 9 individual modules (Oscillator, filter, envelope, VCA, LFO, multi-mod tool, sequencer, MIDI to CV converter, and button keyboard).
32 step sequencer with up to 13 presets
Generative sequencing mode
Clock-synced arpeggiator
Step sequencer can be manipulated & transposed via MIDI and the integrated button keyboard
Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer developed 100% analog oscillator
Oscillator waveforms – sine, triangle, saw, square, and pitched noise – Waveforms can be combined
Oscillator includes pulse-width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM)
Variable state, multi-mode PGH “No-Dead-Spots” filter (lowpass, bandpass, highpass, modes can be combined)
Analog envelope generator
Integrated VCA
Dual-range analog LFO with triangle wave output
Digital multi-mod tool – modulation control via CV, random generator, and extra LFO and envelope generator
Internal clock with tap tempo and can be clocked via an external source.
Built-in clock divider
Can be used standalone in its included case or removed and used as a eurorack format module
Specifications for when used as a eurorack module
Width when used as a module = 40hp
Depth when used as a module = 25mm
213mA power draw when running +12V rail
151mA power draw when running -12V
Input voltage range of oscillator = 0-10V
Included in the box – 1x East Beast, 1x East Beast wall-wart power supply, 5x Amazing Nazca Noodles Patch Cables, 2x 3.5mm to 5 pin MIDI Din pigtails, and love (love’s presence likely, but not guaranteed)
Ahead of Superbooth 2022, Bitwig has announced Bitwig Studio 4.3, with a convolution device for real and imagined spaces, a new delay and more.
New in Bitwig Studio 4.3:
A new device, Convolution, can take any sound anywhere. All convolutions imprint your sound with an “impulse,” and Bitwig’s comes ready-made with 270 of them, ranging from 12th-century cathedrals and legendary studio effects to more abstract “environments.”
Delay+ is Bitwig’s latest boutique audio effect. By balancing familiar controls along with a few thoughtful new ones, Delay+ can either add a little character or fully transform your sound as it ping-pongs along. Set the delay in seconds or beats, then nudge each channel a few milliseconds for instant stereo. Pick from five Blur options to go from a lightly animated feedback to a full, blown-out reverb. A Ducking control keeps things under control by quieting your delay cloud when strong signals arrive.
Two modules are new. Union is an oscillator that plays it straight, blending three waveshapes into one pleasant, drifting output. And for filtering, Low-pass MG honors Mister Moog by imitating both his classic filter and mix buss.
In addition, many other features have also arrived. Low-pass SK filter is now Sallen-Key, with 16 modes on tap. Our Comb filter gained a Damping control for a touch of finesse. ADSR and two other envelopes now have added modes for Digital precision, or Analog simplicity and feel. Plus all filters get a Q Limit to rein in their resonance, and all oscillators have more phase mod range for more brittle, digital sounds. So whether starting a sound in Polymer or growing a world in The Grid, new sounds are at hand.
As always, a few more new features came along for the ride, like FX tracks now have sends of their own. And yes, direct feedback routings are available — and clearly labeled (Achtung!). And the ADSR module gets a lot of use, so why not add a “bias” out port for a bipolar signal that centers around sustain? Good for pitch or anything that might want a little drift.”
Availability
Bitwig Studio 4.3 is now in beta and can be tested by anyone with a Bitwig Studio license and an active Upgrade Plan.
